Diamonds

Scientific Laboratory for the Identification and Appraisals
of Gemstones and Jewellery... Since 1981

What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a mineral composed essentially of carbon that crystallizes in the cubic crystal system. It is the hardest of all known natural substances (10 on the Mohs scale). It is the most cherished and highly valued gemstone. It occurs in colours ranging from colourless to yellow, brown, orange, green, blue, violet, black, pink and red (extremely rare). High refractive index of 2.417, a dispersion of 0.044, and a specific gravity of 3.52

The 4Cs:

CARAT WEIGHT

A unit of weight for diamonds and other gems. 1 carat = 0.2 gram
A stone's weight can also be expressed in "points", with one carat
being equal to 100 points. For example, 0.75 carat = 75 points = 3/4 carat.

COLOUR

The relative position of a diamond's body colour on a colourless-to-yellow scale.
The colour of a diamond as observed when examined under diffused light against
a hueless background free from surrounding reflections.

The Master Colour Diamonds used at IGL have been certified by the GIA.
For colour grading an appraiser requires at least three master diamonds,
at IGL we use seven master diamonds: E, F, G, H, I, J, and K

CLARITY

The relative position of a diamond on a GIA's flawless-to-imperfect scale.

FL - Flawless diamonds have no blemishes or inclusions, under 10x magnification.

IF - Internally Flawless diamonds have no inclusions and only insignificant
blemishes, under 10x magnification.

VVS1-VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included)
VVS diamonds contain minute inclusions that are very difficult to locate
under 10x magnification.

VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
VS diamonds contain minor inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat
easy to locate under 10x.

SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included)
SI diamonds contain noticeable inclusions which are easy or very easy
to locate under 10x. In some SI2 inclusions may be seen with the unaided eye.

I1-I2-I3 (Imperfect)
I quality diamonds contain inclusions which are obvious under 10x, can
often be seen face-up with the unaided eye, seriously affect a stone's durability,
transparency, or brilliance.

CUT

Cut is not referring to the shape of the stone, but to how well the cutter
performed his job.

GIA Cut Grading Scale	IGL Cut Grading Scale
Class 1
1A 1B	Ideal Very Good
Class 2
2A 2B	Good Medium - Good
Class 3
3A 3B	Medium Fair - Medium
Class 4
4A 4B	Fair Poor - Fair
A & B sub- classifications developed by David Atlas	Poor

Caring for your diamonds

Diamonds will become dirty and dull when they are exposed to soil, dust, lotions, perfumes, soap and skin oils. These elements adhere to the stone's surface and reduce its brilliance.

To clean your diamond, simply use warm water and any mild liquid cleaner. Brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinsing it carefully under warm water. Pat it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Your jewellery should be kept in a fabric-lined jewel case or wrapped individually in tissue paper (diamond pieces stored together may scratch
each other or other pieces of jewellery.

To keep your stones intact and secure in their settings, avoid wearing your diamonds when doing housework, gardening or engaging in strenuous activity. Even though the stone is durable, it can be chipped by hard blows.

Your jewellery should be inspected by an expert at least twice a year to ensure that the stones are secure.

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